"The current level of hatred and sectarian attacks on families, homes, churches and other places throughout Northern Ireland are to be utterly condemned by all decent people. There is no justification or excuse for the attacks we are seeing day and night in this Province. Innocent people and families are facing danger to their lives simply because of their religious or political identity.

"Although those who are carrying out these attacks have little or no regard for the condemnation of Church leaders or clergy at this time it is vital for the future of this community that it is made clear beyond all possible doubt that such attacks do not represent the feelings of the vast majority of ordinary people.

"Protestants and Roman Catholics must reject and condemn all attacks made under the guise of loyalism or republicanism.

"This is a time for utter condemnation of attacks from whatever source and the detection and conviction of those who are claiming to act in the name of any organisation, cause of community."